Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ cast list

Abby

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @abbysummerss

What to know: Newbie Abby danced for four years at Ohio State University, helping lead the school’s dance team to six Universal Dance Association National Championships.

„I came to Texas not knowing a single soul,“ she wrote in an Instagram post. „Fast forward a year later, I cannot imagine my life without these people.

Amanda

Veteran or rookie: Third-year veteran candidate

Instagram: @movinwithmandy

What to know: Amanda danced for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors before trying (and failing) to join the Cowboys cheerleaders post-pandemic. She had more success on her second attempt, however, and officially joined the squad in 2022.

She reflected on her journey in a social media post: „I first auditioned in 2021, just shooting my shot. I made it to Training Camp — farther than I ever imagined. After being cut, I realized this wasn’t just a dream… it was something I could accomplish. From that moment on, I went all in. I trained hard, studied the DCC style and etiquette, and did everything I possibly could to make the team.“

Anna Kate

Veteran or rookie: Second-year veteran

Instagram: @annakatesundvold

What to know: Anna Kate is the younger sister of Caroline, another Cowboys cheerleader, and it was seeing „the love Caroline had for this organization and all the girls within“ that made her want to join the squad. „Each girl is so driven in life, and I knew I wanted to surround my years following college with a group of people like them and continue doing what I love most,“ she said in a chat with the team’s website.

Ariel

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @arieljakyra_

What to know: Ariel is an alum of Louisiana State University, where she was a member of the school’s Tiger Girls dance team. This will be her second effort at joining the Cowboys squad after getting cut during last season’s auditions.

„So surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this amazing experience,“ she wrote in an Instagram post teasing season 2.

Armani

Veteran or rookie: Fifth-year veteran

Instagram: @ac_latimer

What to know: A veteran of the squad, Armani has worked to inspire during her years with the Cowboys by being open about her alopecia areata diagnosis. On Dec. 9, 2024, Armani danced for the first time without a wig.

„My alopecia was hard to navigate during my early cheering days,“ she said in an interview with Women’s Health. „It was such a tumultuous time that I was only able to give about 50 percent of my effort. Some people picked up on the fact that I was more withdrawn and not my bubbly self, and having teammates that I could sit and cry with about what I was going through was healing.“

Ava

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @avamarielahey

What to know: Ava first auditioned for the Cowboys squad in 2021, and was among the last candidates cut before the final group was locked in. Now that she has graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she wowed on the dance team, she’s giving it another go.

„From training camp not knowing the journey ahead to now!“ she wrote in a recent Instagram post. „We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.“

Chandi

Veteran or rookie: Sixth-year veteran

Instagram: @chandidayle

What to know: Chandi is the most senior member of the squad, entering her sixth year at the beginning of season 2. A workaholic, she balances being a cheerleader with side gigs managing the social media account of pediatric dentistry practice, working at a Pilates studio, and serving as a pharmacy technician — yes, she’s licensed — with her family’s business.

She recently reflected on the beginning of her cheer journey in Dallas on Instagram, shouting out Finglass and Trammell. „Kelli & Judy – I love you both,“ she wrote. „Thank you for seeing something in timid rookie year Chandi. You both have pushed me and trusted me and encouraged me to be better. I am the dancer and leader I am today because of you both.“

Charly

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @charly.barby

What to know: After just barely missing the cut last season, Charly is back for round 2. As detailed in a chat with Glamour, Charly returned to California and began saving money for the following year’s tryouts, but ended up being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism on her left lung. She pushed through, balancing her recovery with training.

„I would’ve done anything to be on the team, and if it meant dancing with a half-diseased lung, then it did,“ she told the outlet. „I worked too hard to not let something like that affect me. I think it was really mind over body at that point.“

Clare Marie

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @cmkuebler

What to know: Clare Marie is no stranger to the spotlight. In addition to being a former co-captain of the University of Missouri’s Golden Girls, she’s a onetime Miss Missouri.

Cooper

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @cooper.maas

What to know: A former University of Arizona cheerleader and dance instructor, Cooper has emphasized the support and kinship she’s found with the squad.

„This opportunity gave me the most supportive, loving and genuine group of girls that I am so lucky to call my friends and [sisters] for life!“ she wrote in an Instagram post. „Seriously left every practice feeling so inspired!!“

Dayton

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @daytonbramhall

What to know: After two failed attempts at joining the team, Dayton is giving it another shot after a six-year hiatus. An accomplished performer, she’s studied at schools throughout the country in addition to entertaining as a dancer and vocalist with Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines.

Jada

Veteran or rookie: Fifth-year veteran

Instagram: @jadaboo0203

What to know: Jada is known for her advocacy and high kicks, and believes others would describe her „compassionate, spunky, optimistic, free spirited, [and] spontaneous.“ Jada entered the 2024-2025 season planning for it to be her last with the team.

Jenna

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @jennawaller_

What to know: Jenna is a San Diego native who cheered for the University of Oklahoma before venturing to Dallas. In an Instagram post, she called DCC training camp the „greatest challenge of my life.“

KayDianna

Veteran or rookie: Fourth-year veteran

Instagram: @kaydiannamackenzie

What to know: Veteran cheerleader KayDianna, a.k.a. KD, steps into a leadership role this season. „I couldn’t have asked for a better group to share my first season as a leader,“ she wrote in a post celebrating the rookies following the season. „Each of you brought something so special to the table—whether it was asking the important questions or cracking the perfect jokes at just the right time (you know who you are).“

Kayla H.

Veteran or rookie: Second-year veteran

Instagram: @_kaylahayes

What to know: Kayla H. returns for a second round this season. „If you would have told me two years ago I would be back completing my 2nd season as a DCC I wouldn’t believe you,“ she wrote on Instagram. „My heart is overflowing with emotion. I feel rewarded beyond measure for every moment spent on the field, every practice, every game, and every memory made with this amazing group of women. This season has challenged and pushed me to become a better version of myself.“

Kelly V.

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @kellyvillares

What to know: Like Charly, Kelly V. is back after failing to make the team last season. Speaking with Glamour, she reflected on watching herself on the series’ first season.

„[Charly and I] watched us be released from training camp just as we made training camp [for 2024] three days prior,“ she said. „It was a lot to take in because we’re like, ‘Wow, this could happen again.’ You don’t know what the future holds. I mean, it was cool, but very emotional.“

Kleine

Veteran or rookie: Fourth-year veteran

Instagram: @kleinepowell

What to know: Kleine joined the Dallas squad in 2021 and made an impression on the first season of America’s Sweethearts. Season 2 is likely to make just as much of an impact. „This season has been a remarkable journey of inspiring growth, an unyielding pursuit of my passions, and an immense admiration for this sisterhood,“ the University of Kentucky alum wrote in a recent social media post.

Madie K.

Veteran or rookie: Rookie

Instagram: @madie_krueger

What to know: Texan Madie K. is among the youngest rookies to audition for a spot on the team, having just recently graduated from high school.

In a post promoting the new season of America’s Sweethearts, she wrote, „Getting to relive the moments that made my rookie year so special — from the first time I stepped into training camp, to dancing on the field, to the friendships that became family, truly feels like magic.“

Megan

Veteran or rookie: Fourth-year veteran

Instagram: @megan.mcelaney

What to know: Megan returns for her fourth year after joining the team in 2021. „By far one of the most pivotal years of my life,“ she wrote in an Instagram post reflecting on the season. „The memories, opportunities, and growth I’ve experienced this season have changed me in the most beautiful way. I’m grateful more than words can explain.“

Reece

Veteran or rookie: Second-year veteran

Instagram: @reece_christinee

What to know: Reece made a splash last season as a rookie, and returns this year as a veteran (and newlywed). „When I found out the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were going to be filmed, I was so giddy,“ she wrote in an Instagram post about season 2. „It wasn’t until I found myself in it where I then saw the resilience, courage, and vulnerability it took to try and be your most authentic self in front of a camera.“

Sophy

Veteran or rookie: Third-year veteran

Instagram: @sophylulaufer

What to know: Sophy was fresh out of high school when she moved from California to Texas to audition for the squad. Now she’s entering her third year having danced not just for Cowboys fans, but also as support for megastars like Dolly Parton and Queen’s Brian May.